Why These 3 Nuclear ETFs Are Getting a Fresh Look as AI Power Demand Rises

Summary

More than a year after the federal government renewed a push toward nuclear energy, the industry is building momentum thanks to a streamlined process for reactor authorization, an ambitious goal of 300 additional gigawatts of capacity by 2050, and more. The timing is crucial, as AI electricity demand continues to grow and low-carbon energy generation via nuclear facilities is particularly appealing in these contexts. To be sure, challenges remain: sourcing the high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) necessary for some next-gen reactors is difficult, and supply chain and manufacturing capacity limitations, workforce shortages, and the licensing process can all hold up the industry's capabilities to deliver nuclear energy quickly. Still, as the industry continues to evolve and grow, a number of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can expose investors to the many potential growth opportunities in the nuclear industry. Now may be a good time to explore these options, as a sell-off in the industry in 2026 after a previous successful run can present buy-in opportunities. A Selective Basket of Global Nuclear StocksVanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF TodayNLRVanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF$104.20 -0.47 (-0.45%) As of 07/17/2026 04:10 PM Eastern52-Week Range$101.92▼$168.12Dividend Yield3.03%Assets Under Management$3.73 billionThe VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF NYSEARCA: NLR is one of the oldest nuclear industry ETFs on the market, having launched in the summer of 2007. The fund's staying power may be due to its broad strategy within the industry, allowing access to the full nuclear power generation process from the sourcing and production of input materials to companies operating power plants and more. NLR achieves this mix despite its fairly small basket of 32 stocks. With a targeted portfolio like this, investors should expect that some names will receive sizable allocations, and indeed, the largest positions here do range up to 8% or more. Still, given its global focus, NLR is able to...